Our digest of Portland’s top upcoming food and drink events, including a Bloody Mary taste-off at The Parish and a neighborhood Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration.

What: This year for their 4th Annual Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration, Bar Avignon is teaming up with St. Jack, Bow and Arrow Wines, Division Winemaking Company, and Aurelien Fiardet of Terroirs Originels Cru Beaujolais for an outdoor fete to celebrate the first 2012 releases from the Willamette Valley and Beaujolais, France. Mirador Community Store's outdoor space will be transformed into a 21+ Gamay Noir Nouveau drinking garden, complete with roasted chestnuts, charcuterie, and passed hors d'oeuvres. Over at Bar Avignon, revelers will find free tastings, Beaujolais flights, and cassoulet, and at St. Jack tipplers can try mulled wine, Beaujolais flights, oysters, and French celebration specials.When: Thursday, November 15th, 5 pm to 10 pm

How Much: $15 for tasting flight and nibbles at Mirador, special prices vary at Bar Avignon and St Jack.

11th Annual Portland Beaujolais Nouveau Fête

What: Every year, at midnight on the third Thursday of November, restaurants, wine bars, and bistros around the world open the first of 65 million bottles of fresh and fruity Beaujolais Nouveau—and Portland hosts one of America’s largest parties. This year, the Heathman Restaurant & Bar will host the 11th Annual Portland Beaujolais Nouveau Fête, a collaboration between the French-American Chamber of Commerce and the Alliance Française of Portland. The event will feature a wine and art auction, an abundant buffet, and plenty of stations pouring Beaujolais Nouveau flown in from France just days earlier.When: Friday, November 16th at 6 pm.Where:Heathman Restaurant & Bar 1001 Southwest BroadwayHow Much: General admission tickets are $70 per person. A limited number of $50 tickets are available for young professionals (ages 21-35) who are first-time attendees, and a few VIP tables seating eight are available for $1,250. To reserve tickets, visit the Beaujolais Nouveau website.

Izakaya: A NW Celebration of Japanese Pub Culture

What: A multi-sensory festival showcasing local and international saké, shochu, beer, Japanese cuisine, artist instillations, and DJ's. Individual hotel rooms at the Jupiter Hotel will be transformed into themed, interactive spaces, featuring dishes inspired by traditional Japanese pub fare and Gigantic Brewing’s exclusive brew made specific for Izakaya.When: Friday, November 16th from 5:30 to 9 pm Where: The Jupiter Hotel 800 East Burnside StreetHow Much: $40 per person until Nov 2nd. $45 after Nov 2nd. Proceeds from Izakaya will benefit the Japan-America Society of Oregon. Tickets available here.

Bloody Mary Tasting at the Parish

What: Pearl District hot spot The Parish will welcome New Deal Distillery, House Spirits, Bull Run Distillery, Aria Gin, NW Distillery, Ransom Spirits, and Clear Creek Distillery for a local Distiller's Bloody Mary taste-off. Attendees will have the chance to taste through seven different Bloody Mary concoctions and enjoy gulf-inspired brunch dishes.When: Sunday, November 18th from 11 am to 2 pmWhere: The Parish 231 NW 11th AveHow Much: $15 per tasting flight

What: To celebrate the release of their fall cocktail menu, Riffle NW is hosting a DIY cocktail class featuring three seasonal cocktails that incorporate spices you'd find in your pantry. Chef Ken Norris will whip up some small bits for attendees to soak up the booze and inspire at-home holiday hors d'oeuvres.When: Sunday, November 18th from 3:30 to 5 pmWhere: Riffle NW 333 Northwest 13th AvenueHow Much: $20. Reservations are required and space is limited, call 503-894-8978.

Christmas Tree Lighting at Departure

What: Get a bird's eye view of the lighting of the Pioneer Courthouse Square Christmas tree from heated decks on the fifteenth story of the Nines Hotel. Guests will enjoy a special tree lighting menu from chef Gregory Gourdet (think ginger mulled cider, fried honey buns with dates and cinnamon, duck skewers with orange and pomegranate, and maple cranberry sugar cookies) in addition to the full dinner and happy hour offerings. When: All night Friday, November 23rd. Lighting takes place at 5:30.Where: Departure, on the 15th floor of The Nines Hotel (525 SW Morrison Street).How Much: Special menu prices start at $2, regular menus available.